And so I am Left wondering...

What is it about me that sparks such contempt from the people I work with? If you have read any of the previous posts, you know, I haven't been a big fan of my boss lately. He is a 'manager' who feels the best way to manage is by fear, intimidation, micromanaging, condescension and demoralization. Other than that, he's not a bad guy. We have had our differences, but I have always thought we have ultimately resolved those. He periodically does things to remind me 'he's in charge and can do what he wants cuz he's the boss',,, which I tolerate and play along with because let's face it, he is the boss.

SO one of my biggest struggles with this man is that he refuses to ever acknowledge any type of accomplishment. And when I say any, I mean any... I have considered the idea of changing jobs purely on the basis of self preservation. Let's face it, I already lived through one bad marriage, I don't intend to put myself through that again. If I don't get out of this situation, I will end up believing that I am as incompetent at my job, in every aspect as this man would have me believe. The accomplishments of my teams, and the progress we have made can not be denied. The point of conflict was that I didn't approach it the way he would, surprising how goals were still achieved with this approach!

And you are wondering why the question about contempt in people I work with??? I went in Friday afternoon to notify my boss that I had been offered and accepted a position with another division,,, as expected the man went stone faced, told me he needed it in writing then said 'well good luck' and that was it... Well, let me clarify, that was it to my face. He then proceeded to contact every HR rep our business unit had ever worked with, wanting to know how I could post for a position without his knowledge, and that that fact alone somehow invalidated the whole process all together. My new boss ( well I think he's still my new boss) and one of the HR reps called me to let me know they were going to call him, as a courtesy, but that regardless of that I had been instructed to not talk to him about anything other than production and operations, if he asked anything about the job, refer him to HR, as he was looking for loop holes... Nice...

I make it through the afternoon, even though the joy of my accomplishment has been stomped on( He also told me there was no need to tell any of the supervisors, among other things implying that I would just not be here one day, no advance notice to my employees, hence stealing from me the celebration and congratulations I know people would want to share). While driving home I get a call from my hiring manager, letting me know that they did have a conversation with him. Apparently in this conversation, my boss, whom I fondly refer to as Little Napoleon for a reason, proceeded to tell this man that it would be in his best interest to reconsider his decision to hire me. He felt that the new boss would feel differently about me once he saw my last review, which he then emailed him. OK, now pick your jaw up of the keyboard... Yes that is what he did... The new boss indicated he had not read it yet, but that he wanted to give me an opportunity to share anything I felt he should know before he read it... I didn't even know what to say, frankly I couldn't even speak for a moment, literally, I was shocked. He did tell me that I had been highly recommended by two people that he respected and trusted, and so he was more inclined to view Napoleon's comments as doubtful.

I dug out my review later that night and reread it... Not really sure what Napoleon thinks he is achieving by sending it, as it wasn't a bad review. In fact my review of myself was predominantly harsher than his; on top of his admission that he had set me up for failure, and I was still successful...

He was then seen pacing in his office, loudly arguing with his boss about how he had to have someone in that 'Operations Manager's' position,,,,that it was critical to the success of the process etc.. etc.. etc.. so apparently I am not as indispensable as he would have me believe. I was also told later by HR that apparently New Boss and Napoleon have a 'history'... And I should not worry one bit as he know the source and how the source is... Which probably contributes to the sting.

So after a night of crying, fearing that I have just had a huge opportunity ripped from my hands, as well as feeling completely betrayed by someone who although I disagreed with him on many things I never imaged he could be so spiteful, I think I'm pulling myself together... I have to go into work on Monday and be above all of it... Take the high road at all costs. Let him be his own demise. His actions all stem from the fact that this process has been in the works basically since August, and no one has told him,, the man who likes to think he knows everything,,,,

I thought I would relish telling him,, and having my little 'so there' moment... But knowing that his actions come from pride and fear of how his business unit will be affected, how he will be affected in the end just makes me feel sad for him... and probably worst of all is that I have lost all remaining respect that I had. I can't imagine even on my worst day treating someone, and attempting to do to someone what he has done..